Alamogordo City Explains Tree Removal on N White Sands Blvd: Failing Trees Replaced with Better-Suited Species

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. – Many local residents have reached out to Alamogordo Town News asking why city crews have been removing trees from center medians along North White Sands Boulevard, particularly the stretch between 10th Street and Indian Wells.

City officials confirm the removals are part of a planned landscape restoration project. Parks Supervisor Erik Marion provided the following details:

Why the Trees Were Removed

The trees taken out were Chitalpa speciosa (a hybrid cross between Catalpa and Desert Willow) planted approximately 20 years ago. While attractive when young, this species is highly susceptible to Xylella fastidiosa, a terminal bacterial disease often contracted at the nursery stage.

“Over the years, our crews have spent considerable time and resources nursing these trees with supplemental watering and selective pruning,” Marion said. “Unfortunately, the remaining stock in the medians had declined to very poor condition and was no longer sustainable.”

Rather than continue investing in failing trees, the city chose to remove them and replant with a more suitable species.

What’s Being Planted in Their Place

The medians are being replanted with Texas Mountain Laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum), a variety much better adapted to Alamogordo’s high-desert climate.

Key advantages of Texas Mountain Laurel:

• Highly drought-tolerant once established

• Evergreen – remains green year-round

• Compact mature size, ideal for roadway medians without interfering with traffic or utilities

• Produces striking lavender-to-purple flower spikes each spring with a pleasant fragrance

What Residents Can Expect

Because of limited availability, the city was only able to secure the trees in 5-gallon containers. As a result, the new plantings will appear small for the first few years while they establish their root systems. Officials emphasize that patience will pay off as the trees mature into a low-maintenance, attractive landscape feature.

The city thanks residents for their understanding while crews work to improve and sustain Alamogordo’s public landscaping.

This project reflects the Parks and Recreation Department’s ongoing effort to plant the right tree in the right place—choosing species that will thrive with less water and maintenance in our arid environment.

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